Pastor Keith Tillman Announces Retirement Plans
Retirement Announcement
Transition Team Introduced
Chairman of the Deacons Comments
Elder Comments and Prayer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pastor Keith retiring now?
Pastor Keith and Vicki have come to this decision after prayerful consideration and sensing the Lord’s leading into a new season of life and ministry.
We celebrate his faithfulness and trust God’s timing.
Reasons for retirement are three-fold:
1. God has released Pastor Keith of his shepherding of BCBC and is leading him towards other ministries. What they are exactly, He does not know yet, but he does know that he will teach and serve Christ until He takes him home.
2. His health issues have caused distractions in his shepherding on several occasions. His doctor suggested to him to “slow down” several years ago, and he is just now listening to his advice.
3. Family responsibilities. Things are changing quickly in his family, and the recent sickness with his father confirms his decision.
We celebrate his faithfulness and trust God’s timing.
Reasons for retirement are three-fold:
1. God has released Pastor Keith of his shepherding of BCBC and is leading him towards other ministries. What they are exactly, He does not know yet, but he does know that he will teach and serve Christ until He takes him home.
2. His health issues have caused distractions in his shepherding on several occasions. His doctor suggested to him to “slow down” several years ago, and he is just now listening to his advice.
3. Family responsibilities. Things are changing quickly in his family, and the recent sickness with his father confirms his decision.
When will Pastor Keith officially step down?
His final Sunday in the role of Lead Pastor will be July 29, 2026. We will honor and celebrate him as a church family leading up to that time.
Will Pastor Keith still attend our church?
After retirement, Pastor Keith and Vicki will step away from regular involvement to allow the next pastor to lead effectively.
Their desire would be to come back after some time, if that is in the Lord’s plan.
Their desire would be to come back after some time, if that is in the Lord’s plan.
Who will be leading the church during the transition?
Short Term: A temporary Transition Team has been created to represent the church body as a whole and consists of respected members from different areas of church leadership. Brent Hodson will represent the elders; Scott Capps will represent the deacons; Tim Petree will represent the church staff; and Tony Soto will represent the lay members of the church.
It is important to understand that this transition team is temporary in nature and will not select the next pastor. Rather, the purpose of the Transition Team is to help guide the church through the early stages of this transition.
Long Term: An Interim Pastor will be selected and voted on to lead BCBC through the selection process of the Pastor Search Team and play an integral part of calling the new pastor of BCBC.
It is important to understand that this transition team is temporary in nature and will not select the next pastor. Rather, the purpose of the Transition Team is to help guide the church through the early stages of this transition.
Long Term: An Interim Pastor will be selected and voted on to lead BCBC through the selection process of the Pastor Search Team and play an integral part of calling the new pastor of BCBC.
Who is the Transition Team and what do they do?
The Transition Team is a group of trusted leaders guiding our church through this season.
They are focused on communication, care, assessment, and preparing the way for the Pastor Search Committee.
They are focused on communication, care, assessment, and preparing the way for the Pastor Search Committee.
How long will this process take?
Pastor searches typically take several months to a year or more.
We are committed to seeking God’s direction rather than rushing the process.
We are committed to seeking God’s direction rather than rushing the process.
How will the next Lead Pastor be chosen?
A Pastor Search Committee will be formed to lead the search process.
They will pray, evaluate candidates, and eventually present a candidate to the church.
They will pray, evaluate candidates, and eventually present a candidate to the church.
How will the Pastor Search Committee be selected?
We will share clear qualifications for committee members and a nomination/application process in the future.
The goal is to form a team that reflects spiritual maturity, unity, and wisdom.
The goal is to form a team that reflects spiritual maturity, unity, and wisdom.
Will the church have a voice in this process?
Yes. There will be opportunities for input through surveys and listening sessions.
Ultimately, the members will affirm the final candidate according to our church’s Congregationalist governance.
Ultimately, the members will affirm the final candidate according to our church’s Congregationalist governance.
What can I do right now?
- Pray for our church, Pastor Keith and Vicki, and future leadership
- Stay engaged and connected
- Avoid speculation and help protect unity
- Participate when opportunities for input are provided
Where can I find updates?
Updates will be shared through Sunday service announcements, email, letters, this web page, and special members meetings.
We are committed to keeping members informed throughout the process.
We are committed to keeping members informed throughout the process.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
You can reach out to any member of the Transition Team. We want to hear from you and walk through this together.
Brent Hodson, brent.hodson@bcbcpowell.org
Tim Petree, tim.petree@bcbcpowell.org
Scott Capps, scapps175@gmail.com
Tony Soto, tsoto5858@gmail.com
Brent Hodson, brent.hodson@bcbcpowell.org
Tim Petree, tim.petree@bcbcpowell.org
Scott Capps, scapps175@gmail.com
Tony Soto, tsoto5858@gmail.com